Vent filter
Am installing a new sanitary system and am curious about vent filters.
If using a filter, does this mean you can vent inside the boat? If not why filter? Are these filters effective or do they cause more odors to form? Thanks Gordon |
Vent filter
Gordon wrote:
Am installing a new sanitary system and am curious about vent filters. If using a filter, does this mean you can vent inside the boat? If not why filter? Are these filters effective or do they cause more odors to form? Thanks Gordon Not sure what you mean exactly, but I think the filters are to keep things like wasps from getting into the filter and clogging it up. |
Vent filter
Gordon wrote:
Am installing a new sanitary system and am curious about vent filters. If using a filter, does this mean you can vent inside the boat? If not why filter? Are these filters effective or do they cause more odors to form? Thanks Gordon Hopefully all vents are located to minimise the risk of offensive odours in the cockpit or below while under way, at anchor or moored by the bow. Unfortunately most boats are kept in marinas most of the time and the odour may well be offensive to neighbours and with the boat not free to swing, it may well be offensive on board. Feel free to vent below decks if you earn your living at the waste treatment plant or driving a honey wagon and never want to take guests or entertain. Effectiveness will never be 100% and without a rigorous maintenance program may be minimal, while any restriction on tank ventilation will aggravate the root cause of the problem, risking increased odour and other problems. Contact Peggie Hall (The 'Head Mistress') for further advice . . . http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/ -- Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED) ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk [at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL: |
Vent filter
On Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:07:40 -0800, Gordon wrote:
Am installing a new sanitary system and am curious about vent filters. If using a filter, does this mean you can vent inside the boat? I assume you are talking about the holding tank vent? If so, do not even think about venting inside the boat. The odor will knock you over and render the boat uninhabitable. If not why filter? Are these filters effective or do they cause more odors to form? The idea is to minimize the odor outside the boat. The jury is still out on whether that is a good idea or not because the filter will reduce the flow of air to and from the tank. You should really read Peggie Hall's book on this subject or do a search on Google for some of her past postings: http://www.amazon.com/Get-Rid-Boat-Odors-Aggravation/dp/1892399156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260040017&sr=1-1 or http://tinyurl.com/y9394go |
Vent filter
Wayne.B wrote:
On Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:07:40 -0800, Gordon wrote: Am installing a new sanitary system and am curious about vent filters. If using a filter, does this mean you can vent inside the boat? I assume you are talking about the holding tank vent? If so, do not even think about venting inside the boat. The odor will knock you over and render the boat uninhabitable. If not why filter? Are these filters effective or do they cause more odors to form? The idea is to minimize the odor outside the boat. The jury is still out on whether that is a good idea or not because the filter will reduce the flow of air to and from the tank. You should really read Peggie Hall's book on this subject or do a search on Google for some of her past postings: http://www.amazon.com/Get-Rid-Boat-Odors-Aggravation/dp/1892399156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260040017&sr=1-1 or http://tinyurl.com/y9394go Let me explain the filter I'm talking about. http://www.northeastsanitation.com/vent_filters.html This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? BTW I have Peggy's book. Gordon |
Vent filter
On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote:
This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. |
Vent filter
On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote: This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside the boat - what advantage is that going to give you? Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
Vent filter
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote: This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside the boat - what advantage is that going to give you? Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside. Time to rant. First, I don't have a boat, but so what? When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent. Every owner account I've read has been a good review. Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple or a couple with a couple kids it's fine. No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc. And no stink. Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance, and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea. Rant over. --Vic |
Vent filter
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote: This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside the boat - what advantage is that going to give you? Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) He'll know right away when the filter doesn't catch everything. |
Vent filter
fOn Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote: On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote: This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside the boat - what advantage is that going to give you? Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside. Time to rant. First, I don't have a boat, but so what? When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent. Every owner account I've read has been a good review. Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple or a couple with a couple kids it's fine. No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc. And no stink. Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance, and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea. Rant over. --Vic What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head". Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
Vent filter
On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote: On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote: This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside the boat - what advantage is that going to give you? Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside. Time to rant. First, I don't have a boat, but so what? When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent. Every owner account I've read has been a good review. Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple or a couple with a couple kids it's fine. No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc. And no stink. Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance, and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea. Rant over. --Vic Ever been on a small boat with one of those. They do STINK. I'm not kidding. It's like being in a poorly maintained horse stall. The manufacturer mentions this deftly, so they can say you have been warned. From their brochu "In many cases a noticeable improvement in air quality will be perceived upon opening the companionway hatch after lay-ups." And you will not find many marinas that welcome folks dumping these things into a standard commode as the manufacturer suggests. A 6 gallon Porta Potty is just as good a solution, and costs less than 1/10th the money. The Porta Potty can either be carried ashore and dumped in a standard commode if you can find a place that doesn't mind, or pumped out by any conventional pumpout rig. The holding tank for a Porta Potty remains completely sealed when you disconnect it, so carrying a second tank on long trips is feasible. |
Vent filter
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:18:04 -0500, wrote:
On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith wrote: When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent. Every owner account I've read has been a good review. Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple or a couple with a couple kids it's fine. No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc. And no stink. Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance, and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea. Rant over. --Vic Ever been on a small boat with one of those. They do STINK. I'm not kidding. It's like being in a poorly maintained horse stall. Not according to those using them, from what those who are using them have said in various forums. Even Peggy Hall, who is no fan, says, http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75136 "Actually, snowleopard, when installed, operated and maintained properly, composters are odor-free. It's only when owners try to "reinvent" them by using clay or sawdust instead of peatmoss, or conserve power by not running the evaporators and fans...or just never bothered to read the instructions to learn how to use them, that they stink." The manufacturer mentions this deftly, so they can say you have been warned. From their brochu "In many cases a noticeable improvement in air quality will be perceived upon opening the companionway hatch after lay-ups." You misunderstood that. It was preceded by, "Additionally, the unit has an integral 12 volt fan that provides a constant negative pressure to pull moisture out of the living space." It was actually meant to convey that the toilet's fan will improve cabin ventilation and make everything better than it was before the Airhead was installed! And you will not find many marinas that welcome folks dumping these things into a standard commode as the manufacturer suggests. Hadn't noticed that. Actual users don't do that. They bag the stuff and toss it in the garbage, or take it home for the garden. A 6 gallon Porta Potty is just as good a solution, and costs less than 1/10th the money. The Porta Potty can either be carried ashore and dumped in a standard commode if you can find a place that doesn't mind, or pumped out by any conventional pumpout rig. The holding tank for a Porta Potty remains completely sealed when you disconnect it, so carrying a second tank on long trips is feasible. Whatever works. Number of considerations to be made. Cost. Size. Usage. Sailing area, and time asea. Climate - not as effective for cold weather sailors. Might not want to try something "non-traditional." Or just not want to replace the holding tank system already on the boat. Some are leery of the fan power draw, though a very small solar panel takes care of that. It's basically a 12v CPU fan. Personally I'll go pretty far to avoid toting a Porta Potty **** slurry to the dock, or dealing with holding tank pumpouts and plumbing issues. But everybody has their own opinion, and I did say I was ranting. I could very well end up with a Porta Potty, depending on the size of the boat. Won't have holding tank setup in any case. I want a boat, not a honey wagon. Eeeew. --Vic |
Vent filter
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:55 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote: What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head". Plug airhead marine toilet into a google search. You'll find info and comments by those who are using them. --Vic |
Vent filter
|
Vent filter
wrote:
On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:29:49 -0600, cavelamb wrote: Bruce In Bangkok wrote: On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:42:07 -0500, wrote: On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:55 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok wrote: fOn Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith wrote: On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote: This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside? It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize. Use your imagination on where that will lead. Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside the boat - what advantage is that going to give you? Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside. Time to rant. First, I don't have a boat, but so what? When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent. Every owner account I've read has been a good review. Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple or a couple with a couple kids it's fine. No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc. And no stink. Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance, and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea. Rant over. --Vic What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head". Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) It's a composting toilet at an insanely inflated price ($1K!) that doesn't out-perform a $79 porta-potty in actual use. I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand dollars to take a crap? Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) The temperature is dropping like a barrel over Niagra Falls today. Supposed to be 21 at noon today and hold for a few. Since this is the first boat I've ever had that has plumbing I'm kind of nervous about all that plumbing freezing up. So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels trying to get all the lines emptied. I'd almost (today) prefer a cedar bucket. I may feel different about that in April though. non-toxic RV antifreeze is your friend. My friends lie to me some times. What Do I do? Pour it in the holding tank??? |
Vent filter
On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:29:49 -0600, cavelamb
wrote: So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels trying to get all the lines emptied. You're better off to just pump -100 RV antifreeze (the non-toxic pink stuff) through everything, and then you don't have to worry about water trapped in low spots. |
Vent filter
On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:26:14 -0600, cavelamb
wrote: non-toxic RV antifreeze is your friend. My friends lie to me some times. What Do I do? Pour it in the holding tank??? Start with the intake side of your head and pump it all the way through the system. |
Vent filter
"cavelamb" wrote in message ... The temperature is dropping like a barrel over Niagra Falls today. Supposed to be 21 at noon today and hold for a few. Since this is the first boat I've ever had that has plumbing I'm kind of nervous about all that plumbing freezing up. So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels trying to get all the lines emptied. I'd almost (today) prefer a cedar bucket. I may feel different about that in April though. Freezing water only causes a problem if it has nowhere to go when it expands. So a bit of stuff in the bottom of your holding tank is not a problem, nor is a little water lying in a plastic pipe or in the bottom of your fresh water tank Just make sure all systems drain at least enough to ensure nothing is chock full of water with nowhere to expand. I got caught last year with a glass pressure vessel for the fresh water system that was tucked out of sight under the sink with inlet and outlet connections at the top and therefore needed its bowl unscrewing and emptying even after the pipework had been pumped dry. I replaced it with one which had the connections at the bottom so it now drains naturally. If your engine is fresh water cooled it should have antifreeze in it but it will pay to disconnect the salt water inlet hose and suck enough antifreeze up it so that both sides of the heat exchanger are protected, plus he exhaust line.. If you leave batteries on board they will be Ok if fully charged but will freeze and become useless if discharged. If your bilge pump is automatic it should be disconnected from the batteries otherwise it may burn itself out or blow its fuse if it freezes in the 'on' position. Some water is likely to get into the bilge via the mast if it is stepped onto the keel so an automatic bilge pump may try and start. |
Vent filter
On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:06:34 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote: I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand dollars to take a crap? Hehe. You didn't price in the TP. There's similar toilets that cost a couple hundred less. For installation of a first head, the premium comes down when you subtract what the cost of a common marine head, holding tank, etc would be. But some of the owners say they have replaced functioning marine head systems with the Airhead. Gets them space, and they can close off thruhulls. And no more pumpouts. Different strokes. I kind of like the idea myself. Easy when you don't have a boat. --Vic |
Vent filter
Edgar wrote:
"cavelamb" wrote in message ... The temperature is dropping like a barrel over Niagra Falls today. Supposed to be 21 at noon today and hold for a few. Since this is the first boat I've ever had that has plumbing I'm kind of nervous about all that plumbing freezing up. So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels trying to get all the lines emptied. I'd almost (today) prefer a cedar bucket. I may feel different about that in April though. Freezing water only causes a problem if it has nowhere to go when it expands. So a bit of stuff in the bottom of your holding tank is not a problem, nor is a little water lying in a plastic pipe or in the bottom of your fresh water tank Just make sure all systems drain at least enough to ensure nothing is chock full of water with nowhere to expand. I got caught last year with a glass pressure vessel for the fresh water system that was tucked out of sight under the sink with inlet and outlet connections at the top and therefore needed its bowl unscrewing and emptying even after the pipework had been pumped dry. I replaced it with one which had the connections at the bottom so it now drains naturally. If your engine is fresh water cooled it should have antifreeze in it but it will pay to disconnect the salt water inlet hose and suck enough antifreeze up it so that both sides of the heat exchanger are protected, plus he exhaust line.. If you leave batteries on board they will be Ok if fully charged but will freeze and become useless if discharged. If your bilge pump is automatic it should be disconnected from the batteries otherwise it may burn itself out or blow its fuse if it freezes in the 'on' position. Some water is likely to get into the bilge via the mast if it is stepped onto the keel so an automatic bilge pump may try and start. Thanks Edgar. I've been doing some custom work inside. New cabinet work, new electrical panel location, so it was necessary to disconnect the batteries and shore power for a while. Batteries were fully charged, so I think they will be ok for a while. But I will be glad to get power hooked back up soon. My boat has an outboard motor and the bilges stay bone dry. I had a little rain leak around the chain plates, but that's fixed now. Not having the bilge pumps on line doesn't worry me as much as the cold. (I check on her every day since I'm in there working on stuff) Starboard side is pretty much done. The port side has the electrical panel, so it's a bit more involved and taking a bit longer. (but I'm ready for it to be done...) Richard http://www.home.earthlink.net/~capri26/c26-mods.htm Scroll down about 1/2 way to the Old/New Arrangement. |
Vent filter
On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:00:07 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote: On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:06:34 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok wrote: I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand dollars to take a crap? Hehe. You didn't price in the TP. There's similar toilets that cost a couple hundred less. For installation of a first head, the premium comes down when you subtract what the cost of a common marine head, holding tank, etc would be. But some of the owners say they have replaced functioning marine head systems with the Airhead. Gets them space, and they can close off thruhulls. And no more pumpouts. Different strokes. I kind of like the idea myself. Easy when you don't have a boat. --Vic And a black plastic bucket, used around construction sites here, cost about 75 cents..... Stores in a seat locker... easily replaced if lost... Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
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